Funding for Support
Disabled Students’ Allowance
The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a non-means tested and non-repayable source of funding to help meet the extra costs of studying that students with disabilities may face and most home-based students on a full-time or part-time course are eligible to apply. If you’re a student on one of our apprenticeship courses, you’re not eligible for the DSA but alternative funding is available so please contact the Disability Inclusion Service to discuss your needs.
The DSA covers support like:
- Non-Medical Helpers Allowance to fund people to work with you, including study coaching, mentoring, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters.
- Specialist Equipment Allowance such as assistive software or a computer if you need one because of your disability
- General Allowance for other disability-related costs such as photocopying and printing expenses, books and other small items
- Travel costs: the DSA may be able to contribute towards additional study-related travel costs incurred.
Applying for the DSA
The application process for the DSA can take up to three months. You can apply for the DSA before you start your course, so we recommend you do it as soon as you can. If you are a current student and you need support immediately, we may be able to provide you with interim support while you wait for your funding to come through.
Your Disability Adviser will help you apply for the DSA or you can find out more from your funding body’s website:
- Student Finance England
- Student Finance Wales
- Student Finance Northern Ireland
- Student Awards Agency Scotland
- NHS Bursaries
- NHS Social Work MA
Disabled Students Allowance £200 Contribution Funding
If you have been approved for DSA support but need to contribute £200 towards the cost of a computer or laptop then you can apply to the University for financial assistance through the Salford Support Fund. Apply online through our Disabled Students Allowance Contribution form - you need to log in with your student details.
Applications for DSA open on 18 September 2023 for all eligible students and close on 31 July 2024.
Snowdon Trust
Where the DSA doesn’t cover the full cost of your support, you may wish to apply for a grant from the Snowdon Trust. The Snowdon Trust invests in students with physical disabilities. You can apply to them for help with additional disability-related costs if you have a physical or sensory disability.
International and EU students
You’re not entitled to claim the DSA, but we may be able to help provide you with reasonable adjustments, including support like extra time for examinations and help with presentations.